Campaign 2024 Breaking News Reporter

USA TODAY is seeking a talented, versatile reporter with sharp news judgment to cover the 2024 campaign.

We are looking for someone who has a keen grasp of politics and the ability to spot stories that other reporters might miss. The best candidate enjoys people-focused stories and has a conversational writing style.

You have a fast metabolism for news and can pivot quickly between breaking stories and quick-turn enterprise. You are someone who can help us grow our audience through insightful reporting and quick, concise coverage of the biggest political stories of the day.

Our next hire will be a can-do team player who is passionate about connecting with our audience through stories that inform and engage them. You are creative and interested in finding new ways to answer questions and attract readers. You’d rather set the agenda than follow the pack.

Job Level: Reporter II

Minimum Salary: $62,000

Responsibilities:

Deliver compelling coverage of the biggest political news of the day, including quick-turn stories, pivot pieces and scoops.
The ability to handle big, breaking stories under deadline pressure.
An eye for color and detail and a conversational writing style.
Versatility to experiment with a variety of story formats.
Collaborate across the USA Today Network, teaming up with reporters, editors and visual journalists to create multimedia content that will help us grow audience.
Package and optimize stories to help them reach the widest possible audience.
Promote personal brand, the brands of colleagues and the institutional brand.
Provide great customer service, helping readers find answers and solutions.
Help colleagues set up and participate in live events related to the 2024 primary race.
Perform other duties as necessary.

Requirements:

Bachelor's or master’s degree in journalism or any other subject or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Minimum of 3 years' reporting/newsroom experience. Prior political reporting experience is essential.
The ideal candidate must demonstrate strong news judgment, the ability to file accurate, concise, and clean copy on tight deadlines, and to build on breaking news with smart short- and long-term enterprise ideas.
A mindset of curiosity, growth and change, and a willingness to try, be wrong, and learn from setbacks.
Experience generating quick-turn news stories and thoughtful enterprise.
An interest in new ways of informing and engaging audiences on social platforms and alternate story forms.
Familiarity with SEO best practices a plus.
A collaborative approach and strong communication skills.
Understanding of – or eagerness to learn about - audience analytics and how they can help inform content decisions.
This role requires a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.
Expectation is you will go to events and appearances across the state, meeting with voters and reporting in-person.
Ability to shoot still photos and short videos to accompany stories.
This role requires a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.
Employment is contingent on passing a pre-employment, post-offer background check, drug screen & motor vehicle record check.

Application Instructions

We are eager to learn more about you and how you fit this role. When you apply, don’t limit your upload to a resume; show us what you’ve done. To do so, put together a single document file that includes the following, in this order:

Your resume – one to two pages.
A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job.
Links to 3-6 online samples of your work. Show us what you’ve produced or had a hand in that best reflects what you can do in your desired role.

It is important that these items be assembled into a single document and uploaded in PDF format. Completing these steps will ensure that your application receives the highest consideration.